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Home → Teach Evolution → Lessons and Teaching Tools → Teaching Resources Database → Natural Selection & Sexual Selection: An Illustrated Introduction

Natural Selection & Sexual Selection: An Illustrated Introduction

Grade Level(s):

  • 6-8
  • 9-12
  • 13-16
  • General

Source:

  • Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Resource type:

  • Video

Time: 15 minutes

Overview

This illustrated video explores how natural and sexual selection can shape the way animals look and act, sometimes transforming the drab into the magnificent. To access the associated multiple choice and open answer questions, you'll need to register with the site.

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  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 6-8] Evolution results from natural selection acting upon variation within a population. (LS4.B)
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 6-8] There is variation within a population. (LS3.B)
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 6-8] Traits that are advantageous often persist in a population. (LS4.B, LS4.C)
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 6-8] Individual organisms with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and have offspring. (LS4.B, LS4.C)
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 9-12] There is variation within a population. (LS3.B)
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 9-12] Natural selection acts on the variation that exists in a population. (LS4.B, LS4.C)
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 9-12] Natural selection acts on phenotype as an expression of genotype.
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 9-12] Inherited characteristics affect the likelihood of an organism's survival and reproduction. (LS4.B, LS4.C)
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 9-12] Traits that confer an advantage may persist in the population and are called adaptations. (LS4.B, LS4.C)
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 13-16] Evolution occurs through multiple mechanisms.
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 13-16] Natural selection and genetic drift act on the variation that exists in a population.
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 13-16] Natural selection acts on phenotype as an expression of genotype.
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 13-16] New heritable traits can result from mutations.
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 13-16] Inherited characteristics affect the likelihood of an organism's survival and reproduction.
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 13-16] Over time, the proportion of individuals with advantageous traits may increase (and the proportion with disadvantageous traits may decrease) due to their chances of surviving and reproducing.
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 13-16] Traits that confer an advantage may persist in the population and are called adaptations.
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 13-16] Sexual selection occurs when selection acts on characteristics that affect the ability of individuals to obtain mates.
  • Disciplinary Core Idea LS3.B: Variation of Traits
  • Disciplinary Core Idea LS4.B: Natural Selection
  • Disciplinary Core Idea LS4.C: Adaptation

Registration may be required to view the multiple choice and discussion questions.

Additional teaching tips for 13-16:
This video is best for students in an intro-level course.